Book Festival BRaK

The Bratislava Book Festival, known as BRaK, is one of the largest literary festivals in Slovakia, held annually in the center of Bratislava. It is not just a “traditional” book fair, but rather a vibrant cultural event where literature intersects with other art forms.

📚 What exactly is BRaK?

BRaK was founded with the aim of supporting small and independent publishers in particular and to show that books are not just commercial products, but also works of art. Every year, it takes place at multiple venues in the historic center of Bratislava and offers dozens of events over the course of several days.

The theme of this year’s edition is “We need to talk…” 💬

The program includes:

discussions and author readings
workshops and lectures
concerts, theater, and film
exhibitions of illustrations, graphic art, and typography

The theme is a call for dialogue and conversation about books and the questions they raise—whether light or heavy. About ourselves and our relationships, about the reality from which we cannot escape, and about the challenges we face together. BRaK 2026 will feature discussions, author readings, performances, concerts, plays, and exhibitions across all festival venues.

The festival will also feature themed zones and special events—such as a book fair by publishers on Main Square, a children’s zone in the Town Hall Courtyard, a comics zone on Franciscan Square and at Biela 6, and a conference for book professionals and libraries focused on current topics in the book industry.

Confirmed guests include the rising star of Icelandic literature María Elísabet Bragadóttir, bestselling Czech author Jakub Stanjura, Michal Habaj, who is returning to the poetry scene after ten years, the prominent figure of contemporary French prose Constance Debré, and Brazilian author Jeferson Tenório with his book *Under the Skin*.

We can also look forward to Adania Shibli (Palestine), Denis Bang (Fvck_Kvlt), Jessica Lind (Austria), Barbora Hrínová, Kateřina Šedá and her project National Collection of Bad Habits, comic book authors Michal Ivan, Dávid Marcin, and many others.🤔

Why should people visit it?

1. You’ll discover books you won’t find anywhere else

BRaK mainly features smaller publishers, so you’ll come across unique titles, beautifully designed books, and interesting translations that you don’t usually see in bookstores.

2. Meet authors in person

You can listen to writers, illustrators, and translators at work and often chat with them. This gives books a whole new dimension.

3. It’s not just about reading

The festival connects literature with music, theater, and visual arts, so even if you’re not an “avid reader,” you’ll still find something there for you.

4. The city’s atmosphere

It takes place right in the center of Bratislava (squares, palaces, libraries), so it has a very pleasant, almost “festival-like” atmosphere under the open sky.

5. Programs for kids and beginners

There are kids’ zones, workshops, and activities for various age groups, making it a great outing for the whole family.

In a nutshell, see you at Brak!

Location: Old Town, Bratislava
Date: 27.05.2026 – 31.05.2026
Time: from 12:00 – 22:00
Entrance fee: 15 – 19 €

Find all tips for the BRATISLAVA EVENTS.